Benda Tang Knife vs Honda CB650R: Specs Compared
- by Jehan Adil Darukhanawala
- Jul 12, 2021
- | Views: 3027
Can China’s mid-displacement inline-four naked outshine its Japanese foe?
Benda became quite popular when it showcased its 700cc inline-four engine-powered cruiser concept a couple of years ago. The company showcased a production-ready model a few weeks back and has also built a naked employing the same engine. Called the LFS700 Tang Knife, the naked has got the Honda CB650R directly in its crosshairs. Can it hit the Honda where it hurts or is the Japanese naked still superior? Here’s what their spec sheets suggest:
Engine
Specifications |
Benda Tang Knife |
Honda CB650R |
Engine |
680cc, inline-four, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine |
648.72cc, inline-four, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine |
Power |
93.81PS @ 11,000rpm |
87.02PS @ 12,000rpm |
Torque |
63Nm @ 8,500rpm |
57.5Nm @ 8,500rpm |
Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed |
Honda India is known to detune its motors for us, and the CB650R is no different. Had it been the European-spec bike, the Honda would have run the Benda quite close but as things stand, the extra output is sure to favour the LFS700 and that’s despite it weighing 12kg more.
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Underpinnings
Specifications |
Benda Tang Knife |
Honda CB650R |
Frame |
Chromoly steel tube with central aluminium frame |
Twin tube diamond |
Front suspension |
Preload-adjustable USD fork |
Telescopic USD fork |
Rear suspension |
Preload adjustable offset-mounted monoshock |
Preload adjustable monoshock |
Front brake |
4-piston Brembo radial caliper |
4-piston Nissin radial caliper |
Rear brake |
Single-piston Brembo sliding caliper |
Single-piston Nissin sliding caliper |
Front tyre |
120/70 - 17 |
120/70 - 17 |
Rear tyre |
180/55 - 17 |
180/55 - 17 |
Both of these heavy-duty inline four nakeds are evenly matched in the components department. Frames aside, the suspension, brakes, and tyres are of the same type. But obviously, there are a few differences. The brakes on the Benda are from Brembo while the suspension on the Honda is Showa-sourced.
Dimensions
Specifications |
Benda Tang Knife |
Honda CB650R |
Wheelbase |
1480mm |
1449mm |
Ground clearance |
170mm |
148mm |
Fuel tank capacity |
18-litres |
15.4-litres |
Seat height |
800mm |
810mm |
Kerb weight |
218kg |
206kg |
The Benda LFS700 edges the CB650R in a few crucial aspects: a more accessible seat height, a larger fuel tank, and higher ground clearance. Sure, the 12kg excess weight is going to be felt at slow speeds and parking situations. Also, its longer wheelbase should ideally make it a lazier bike in the twisties.
Price & Verdict
Benda Tang Knife |
Honda CB650R |
CNY 38,800 (roughly Rs 4.46 lakh, excluding Indian taxes) |
Rs 8.67 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) |
Shockingly, Benda has managed to price the LFS700 competitively. In its domestic market, the Benda is one-third the price of the Honda and that’s a big plus point for the Chinese newcomer. So it seems that China has finally managed to upset the Big Red in this comparison.